Sioux Center, Iowa — A Minnesota man has been arrested on felony OWI and drug charges after a traffic stop in Sioux Center.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Sioux County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sioux Center Police Department, 21-year-old Gage Mekosch of Jackson, Minnesota is accused of driving under the influence.
In his statement, the officer states that while patroling on North Main Avenue (Highway 75), the officer saw Mekosch make an improper left turn. He says the rear window was also obstructed with snow. An odor of marijuana was allegedly noted coming from the vehicle, and the officer says he saw drug paraphernalia in plain view. He says Mekosch allegedly showed signs of impairment, and he says a backpack in the vehicle contained THC. A drug recognition expert evaluation was performed, and the results were positive for a controlled substance.
Mekosch was charged with operating while intoxicated, third or subsequent offense, a class D felony. If convicted, Mekosch could face up to five years in prison. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance – cannabidiol.
He faces a preliminary hearing on the charges on Tuesday.
He was booked into jail in Orange City and was released upon the posting of a $5000 cash or surety bond.
